Energy is big business, and vets are in demand for a job sector that just keeps growing. The government and private energy companies are making more of an effort to bring transitioning veterans on board, and many firms have programs specifically geared toward vets.
Below is a rundown of some of the prominent organizations and programs connecting veterans with energy jobs. You can also check the Military.com Skills Translator to see how your skills translate to specific jobs, and link to the Military.com Job Board to see available energy jobs around the country.
1. Troops to Energy Jobs
Troops to Energy Jobs is a great resource site that helps map out your journey to highly desirable careers in the energy industry.
The Troops to Energy Jobs website offers summaries of available energy occupations, military skills translation into energy-specific jobs and connections to resources to help round out your education. It also offers connections to virtual coaches and support organizations. For more information, you can also see this fact sheet.
2. Veterans Energy Pipeline
VeteransToEnergy is a job search portal site geared to help veterans find careers in the oil and natural gas industry. The site was developed by the American Petroleum Institute, a national trade association that represents all aspects of America's oil and natural gas industry. The VeteransToEnergy site includes energy job descriptions and postings, and profiles of veterans in the industry.
3. NextOp
NextOp helps veterans with one-on-one mentoring, resume building, interview skills and networking connections to companies. It also partners with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to help veterans get the necessary credentials.
Some of the high-demand jobs that NextOp veterans have landed include project management, electrician, heavy equipment operator, pipefitter and lineman.
Veterans interested in a career in construction can find out more at NextOp and apply online.
4. Navy and Marine Corps Energy Career Internship Program
Navy and Marine Corps veterans are being connected to advanced internships in energy fields, with the ultimate goal of long-term energy sustainability for the future fleet and force.
The Energy System Technology Evaluation Program (ESTEP) began as a way to train veteran sailors and Marines in energy careers while helping meet warfighter energy demands.
Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research sea warfare and weapons department, the unique program merges academia and naval commands in an effort to advance energy technologies to meet critical naval needs and reduce one of the biggest costs for the services -- as well as some of the biggest dangers, including resupply runs in combat zones.
For more information, visit the ESTEP program.
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5. Vocational Readiness and Employment Program
The Department of Energy partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide on-the-job training opportunities that could lead to employment for recovering veterans through the vocational rehabilitation and employment program. For information on the program and to sign up, visit VA Vocational Readiness.
6. Operation Warfighter Program
The Operation Warfighter program, managed by the Department of Defense, offers temporary military detail assignments for recuperating service members to engage in meaningful vocational opportunities. The Department of Energy partners with the Defense Department to offer opportunities under the program. For more details, see this program overview.
8. Wounded Warrior Programs
Programs designed to assist severely wounded soldiers, veterans and their families offer a source of skilled candidates ready to reintegrate into the workforce.
- Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2)
- Air Force Wounded Warrior Program
- Navy Safe Harbor
- US Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment
9. Solar Ready Vets
Jobs in the solar industry are hot, and the DoD wants to help vets get the skills they need to break into this career field.
As with any transition, the Solar Ready Vets program encourages active-duty military personnel to apply at least six months before their transition. The program gives eligible applicants employment skills training, apprenticeships and internships up to six months prior to their separation. The training allows transitioning military personnel to train in technical and non-technical jobs, including management, PV installation, sales and other areas.
There are no out-of-pocket costs for participating service members or military bases.
Eligible students who complete the course take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) entry-level exam to earn the highly regarded credential to work in the solar industry field.
For more information, visit Solar Ready Vets.
Related: For the latest veteran jobs postings around the country, visit the Military.com Job Search section.
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